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      Why are Aston Villa wearing black shirts at home for FA Cup clash against West Ham?

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      DO not adjust your TV sets – Aston Villa are playing in an all-black strip at home to West Ham in the FA Cup.The big third round clash at Villa Park is commemorating an incredible milestone for the West Midlands club. Ezri Konsa wearing the special all-black Aston Villa kitCredit: avfc.co.ukVilla boss Unai Emery has had an up and down season in the Premier League this season, but the Villans have impressed in the Champions League and the Spaniard will be looking for another cup run to galvanise his side.While for the visitors, new boss Graham Potter is in the dugout for his Hammers debut.Potter replaced Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked after just six months in the job.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhy are Aston Villa wearing all-black shirts?Aston Villa are paying homage to their first kit colourway on their milestone 150th anniversary.To mark the occasion – almost to the day as the club’s first-ever recorded fixture – Villa are wearing a one-off all-black strip against West Ham in the FA Cup tonight.Black is the colour Villa wore first before transitioning into the famous claret and blue.Villa were the first team in the UK to put a crest on their shirts in 1878, and the badge on the anniversary shirt is in tribute to the original Scottish lion which has been redrawn from one of the earliest sources seen.The badge has been redrawn from an early sourced versionThe special kit worn tonight against the Hammers also does not have any sponsors on the front of the shirt.Most read in FA CupBranding will be on the back of the shirt, with Villa saying: “Principal partners Betano and Trade Nation have both kindly donated their branding space back to the club for the fixture, allowing us to create this historic look.”The commemorative strip also has an additional symbol on the front of the shirt inspired by Villa Park’s stained glass windows.The shirt can be bought online at Aston Villa’s official club shop. More

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      I’m a Man Utd star following the footsteps of my dad and aiming to shock Liverpool in biggest game of my career so far

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      A MANCHESTER UNITED loanee is looking to end rivals Liverpool’s stunning momentum when Accrington Stanley visit Anfield.The Premier League high-flyers and Accrington face off on Saturday in the third round of the FA Cup.Manchester United loanee Sonny Aljofree plays for Accington Stanley this seasonCredit: RexSonny is the son of ex-Man Utd academy graduate HasneyCredit: GettySonny is determined to beat Liverpool in the FA Cup and was contacted by Man UtdCredit: GettySonny used to watch his dad Hasney take on Liverpool with PlymouthCredit: Sonny AljofreeAnd Sonny Aljofree – the son of United academy graduate Hasney – is expected to line up against the Reds from the start after joining Stanley on loan in August.Sonny, 20, had a feeling he would be locking horns with Man Utd’s biggest rivals before the draw and is relishing the incredible opportunity.The centre-back, who trained with the first team last season despite never making a senior appearance, is set for a full circle moment.Following the FA Cup draw, Hasney, 46, sent his son an old photo of him watching his dad’s former team Plymouth take on Liverpool from the Kop stands in the FA Cup third round back in 2017.Read More on Man UtdSonny told Manchester Evening News: “I was sat in the kitchen, having my tea with my family and I saw Liverpool come up and I had just a funny feeling. “I was like, ‘I can’t play against United at Old Trafford, so the next best thing will probably be Liverpool here’.”I said to my mum, ‘This is gonna be us here’. Obviously, it came up and all of us have just gone off and started cheering.”It’s another chance to learn and gain valuable experience. I think everyone’s up for it, and I definitely am because as a United fan, you want to beat them, so that’s what we’re going there to do, hopefully.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnited contacted Sonny after the draw and sent him a powerful message.However, the Manchester giants also urged him to “take it in” and enjoy this incredible opportunity.Man Utd fans say ‘call the game off’ as Ruben Amorim confirms major line-up decision for Arsenal FA Cup clash Sonny added: “[Man Utd told me] Just win. “They’ve told me to [make] sure that I take it in and not just let it go by, so just as much as it is a massive experience and there’ll be nerves around it, just trying to take it in and appreciating the kind of magnitude of the game that I’m hopefully going to be involved in.”Hasney will be one of 50 to 55 friends and family supporting Sonny on the biggest day of his career, which has seen him registering 16 appearances with Accrington across all competitions.The former defender began his career at United before leaving the club without making an appearance. The ex-England youth international went on to play for Bolton, Dundee United, Plymouth, Sheffield Wednesday, Oldham and Swindon Town.He returned to the Red Devils as a youth coach before taking up a role as head of coach education and development in Singapore.Sonny added: “My dad’s always been the one who’s been giving me advice throughout and his thoughts and you take that and do it because he’s been through it. He knows what I’m going through.”I think there’s not that much advice you can give me against Liverpool, except making sure I’m doing all the right things leading up to the game, so I have no excuses when it comes to it. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think that’s what he’s always said to me no matter how you play, you just can’t have any regrets leading up to any game that you’re playing, so you’re leaving it all out there and making sure in your head you’re prepared and ready, doing all the right things leading up to it.”Sonny joined United’s academy at a very young age but has yet to make a senior appearance with the club instead loaning him out to Altrincham before moving him to Accrington.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      Man Utd fans say ‘call the game off’ as Ruben Amorim confirms major line-up decision for Arsenal FA Cup clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ruben Amorim confirmed Altay Bayindir will play in goal against Arsenal in the FA Cup. United travel to the Emirates on Sunday and do so with some tweaks to the side. Altay Bayindir will play in goal against Arsenal in the FA CupCredit: GettyAmorim revealed Andre Onana will be rested with back-up stopper Bayindir replacing the Cameroonian. He said: “Altay is going to play.” Bayindir – signed for £4.3million from Fenerbahce in September 2023 – has made only four United appearances since joining. They have all been in either the Carabao or FA Cup – failing to play in the Premier League. READ MORE ON MAN UTDBayindir’s most recent came against Tottenham in United’s 4-3 Carabao Cup quarter-final loss at Tottenham in December. And the Turkish international was beaten direct from a corner by Son Heung-min.Arsenal are also on a run of scoring from corners – leaving United fans fearing the worst.One said: “Advantage Arsenal then.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother added: “Game’s over before it even started.”One joked: “Call the game off.”Which football clubs could Marcus Rashford join?Another said: “Congratulations Arsenal for winning against Man United tomorrow by 3-0, with two goals directly scored from corners.”Reports recently indicated manager Amorim wants to sign a goalkeeper this year to push Onana. And Bayindir’s agent Sefa Seyrek claimed the United No2 has attracted attention elsewhere. Seyrek told Sports Digitale: “Altay had offers from many European clubs last summer. “There are currently clubs that are interested, but Altay wants to stay and play in Manchester. The club definitely does not want to lose Altay.”Andre Onana and back-up keeper BayindirCredit: Alamy More

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      Football postponed LIVE: Latest with many FA Cup third round ties under threat as multiple EFL clashes are called OFF

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      IT’S FA Cup weekend – but fixtures are under threat as the big freeze continues across the UK.Preston’s third round clash with Charlton has been postponed after the pitch was deemed unplayable.Multiple matches across the EFL and non-league have been called off because of frozen pitches all around the UK.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFind out about all of the latest postponements through our live blog below…More non-league OFFAn FA Vase game between Walsham Le Willows and Whitstable Town is the latest to be called off.Copy linkCopiedSnow watchHeavy snow in West Yorkshire has led to the cancellation of Frickley Athletic’s game against Bottesford Town.Copy linkCopiedScottish game offAnnan Athletic have confirmed their fixture with Inverness Caledonian Thistle has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.Copy linkCopiedDropping like fliesNon-league games in the north are also being heavily affected with several clubs announcing postponements.The following are now off:Darlington vs ChorleyHereford vs WarringtonCurzon Ashton vs Scarborough AthleticBury vs Isle of ManStockbridge Park Steels vs Grimsby BoroughCopy linkCopiedEFL’s bottom side forced to postponeCarlisle were set to host MK Dons tomorrow but a frozen pitch means the match has been called off.Copy linkCopiedNon-league mayhemFour National League fixtures have been called off early.Southend vs HalifaxBarnet vs HartlepoolSutton vs FyldeMaidenhead vs YorkCopy linkCopiedEFL clash offBarrow have confirmed their match against Port Vale has been postponed.A frozen pitch again the cause.Copy linkCopiedPreston vs Charlton offA pitch inspection at Deepdale has deemed the pitch unplayable.The tie has also been re-scheduled for Tuesday, kick-off time 7:45pm.Copy linkCopiedCup clash bites the dustMansfield have called off their third-round clash with Wigan due to a frozen pitch.The match has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, which means the Stags’ League One clash with Exeter has also been moved.Copy linkCopiedHello and welcomeWelcome to SunSport’s football weather tracker, keeping you up to date with all the fixture cancellations ahead of the FA Cup third round.Two EFL games have already been called off due to the frosty conditions, with many more under threat.Northampton vs Barnsley and Shrewsbury vs Huddersfield in League One have been postponed.Copy linkCopied More

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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 19: Time for brave gaffers to bet against Mohamed Salah?

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      IF ever there was a time to think outside the box in terms of Dream Team captaincy, this might be it.Gameweek 19 features a full round of Premier League games in midweek but before that gaffers will have to negotiate the FA Cup third round.Mismatches such as Liverpool v Accrington Stanley, Newcastle v Bromley and Tottenham v Tamworth may seem ripe with points but heavy rotation is to be expected from the Premier League’s big boys.Going against Salah is risky but that might be the play this GameweekCredit: Dream TeamMohamed Salah (£8.1m) has been a fantastically reliable captain this season but it’s not unthinkable he will endure a rare low-scoring Gameweek this time around.The Egyptian superstar is unlikely to get many minutes (if any at all) against the side currently 19th in League Two – why would Arne Slot take such an unnecessary risk with his top goalscorer?On Tuesday night, the Reds travel to the City Ground to face third-placed Nottingham Forest, a difficult match-up on current form.Not only are Nuno Espirito Santo’s side superbly organised, they are the only team to beat Liverpool in the league this season.Betting against Salah is fraught with risk but it’s entirely feasible he doesn’t play at the weekend and is constricted against Forest for minimal returns.But if not Salah then who?Hear us out…Credit: RexThe same thinking applies to Cole Palmer (£6.1m), who might be rested against Morecambe before coming up against one of the top flight’s form teams in Bournemouth in midweek.Most read in Dream TeamOne way to circumnavigate this conundrum is to ignore the cup mismatches when selecting a captain.Instinctively, Arsenal v Manchester United appears like a match-up to avoid but a meeting of two heavyweights is likely to ensure relatively strong line-ups.Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m) banked ten points at Anfield last weekend and will probably start at the Emirates having enjoyed a forced rest via suspension in Gameweek 17.To sweeten the deal, the Portugal international has the luxury of a league game against lowly Southampton on Thursday night – Saints have mustered just six points since promotion.The Red Devils’ skipper seems likely to start both fixtures in Gameweek 19 and while he doesn’t have a favourable cup game, Southampton’s visit to Old Trafford should provide suitable compensation.Southampton are easy pickings at presentCredit: RexMikel Arteta will probably name strong teams against Man United and Spurs this coming Gameweek but it’s not all that easy to identify a player worthy of the armband – hurry back, Bukayo Saka (£6.6m)!Elsewhere, Alexander Isak (£5.9m) will be a popular captain given his rampant form.The Newcastle striker has amassed 109 points in his last nine outings.It’s overly optimistic to expect the Swedish striker to start against Bromley on Sunday, especially with a minor hamstring niggle, but he could feast against Wolves in midweek.Dream Team bosses keen on a genuine wildcard this Gameweek should consider Eberechi Eze (£4.9m).Crystal Palace’s No10 is among the most in-form assets right now and, more broadly, he averages an impressive 7.3 points-per-game in 2024/25.A bold choice but not an illogical oneCredit: GettyThe Eagles are due to host Stockport on Sunday before welcoming a beleaguered Leicester to Selhurst Park in midweek.Oliver Glasner isn’t shy of playing his top stars against lower league opposition so Eze should get his fair share of minutes.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne way of removing this headache altogether is to activate the Max Captain Booster, for those with that option remaining.Whatever you decide, make sure you select your captain (and vice captain) before Friday’s 6:30pm deadline!Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      Norwich star Borja Sainz slapped with six-match ban after SPITTING at Sunderland rival as he issues grovelling apology

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      NORWICH star Borja Sainz has been banned for SIX matches and fined £12,000 for a spitting at a player. The incident took place in the Canaries’ 2-1 loss to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on December 21.Borja Sainz has been banned for six matches and fined for a spitting at a playerCredit: PASpaniard Sainz – the Championship top scorer with 15 league goals this season – admitted the charge at an FA independent disciplinary commission.Sainz said: “Following today’s announcement from the FA, I want to take this opportunity to issue a sincere and public apology for my actions during our game against Sunderland. “Spitting at an opponent is completely out of character for me, and my reaction in that moment was unacceptable. I deeply regret my actions and take full responsibility.”I want to apologise directly to the opposing player, Chris Mepham, for my behaviour. READ MORE IN football “Additionally, I extend my apologies to my team mates, our coaching staff and our fans. “I am deeply disappointed in myself and for letting all of you down through my conduct.”While I am saddened to miss the upcoming games, I will use this time to reflect, learn and refocus, so that I can return stronger and continue contributing to the team for the rest of the season. “Thank you for your understanding and support. Borja.”Most read in FootballSainz got away with the incident at the time after it was missed by the match officials and played in Norwich’s following four league matches. The FA had launched an investigation and confirmed the forward breached FA Rule E1.1 and determined he “committed the sending off offence”.Philippe Clement reacts after angry Rangers fans call for him to quit after Dundee clashA statement read: “Norwich City’s Borja Sainz has been suspended for six matches and fined £12,000 following a breach of FA Rule E1.1 that took place during their EFL Championship match against Sunderland on Saturday 21 December 2024.”It was alleged that the forward committed the sending off offence of spitting at an opponent, during the 74th minute of the fixture. “Borja Sainz admitted the charge and his sanctions were subsequently imposed by an independent Regulatory Commission. “Full written reasons for this case will be published in due course.” More

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      I took non-league side on epic FA Cup run but I’m better known for keeping Classic FM-loving crocodile in my living room

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      CHRIS WELLER made a name for himself with a series of upsets during a spectacular FA Cup run.Now he has to make sure he keeps his pet crocodile very happy indeed by keeping the radio tuned in to Classic FM.Chris Weller was part-time manager of Gravesend & Northfleet in the 1990sCredit: PANow he owns a pet crocodile at his Kent home called CaesarCredit: Times Newspapers LtdWeller is unable to go out for long and leave the croc unattendedCredit: Caters News AgencyThe owner plays card games, watches TV and listens to the radio with his unlikely ‘closest companion’Credit: Caters News AgencyWeller, a former prison officer for 40 years at HMP Rochester, was part-time Gravesend & Northfleet manager during the 1990s.And in 1995-96, he took then-Southern League Premier Division outfit all the way to the third round of the FA Cup.Gravesend & Northfleet – who became Ebbsfleet United in 2007 – played a staggering TEN matches in the competition in that memorable season, culminating with a trip to Premier League Aston Villa.The non-league Kent club came through the first, second and third rounds of qualifying before needing not one but two replays to get past Marlow and book their spot in the first round proper.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere, they beat Colchester United before needing a replay to get past Cinderford Town to then draw Villa.Initially, the Fleet were given a home tie but conceded the advantage to play the match at Villa Park – and reap the financial rewards instead.Gravesend & Northfleet put up a valiant effort but ultimately lost 3-0 to a side that included Gareth Southgate, Dwight Yorke and Andy Townsend as Brian Little’s men reached the semi-finals. But for Little’s opposite number Weller, he took a very different path.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBecause he decided to spend more than £20,000 converting his Strood bungalow into a home for exotic pets – none more so than his 6ft spectacled caiman croc called Caesar.Weller, now in his late 70s, bought the South American native when he was just 1ft long in 2007 from a specialist shop in Kent after obtaining a council licence to keep dangerous animals.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersGravesend & Northfleet’s 1994-95 FA Cup run1st qualifying round: Gravesend & Northfleet 7-0 Godalming & Guilford2nd qualifying round: Molesey 0-6 Gravesend & Northfleet3rd qualifying round: Gravesend & Northfleet 2-1 Carshalton Athletic4th qualifying round: Gravesend & Northfleet 1-1 Marlow 4th qualifying round replay 1: Marlow 3-3 Gravesend & Northfleet4th qualifying round replay 2: Gravesend & Northfleet 4-0 Marlow1st round proper: Gravesend & Northfleet 2-0 Colchester United2nd round proper: Cinderford Town 1-1 Gravesend & Northfleet2nd round proper replay: Gravesend & Northfleet 3-0 Cinderford Town 3rd round proper: Aston Villa 3-0 Gravesend & NorthfleetHis conservatory is an 8ftx8ft pool while the dining room provides “land area” for Caesar and a stable door allows the reptile to make his way around the house, which has a secure three-lock system to ensure the crocodile won’t escape outside.While retired Weller does not have any human housemates, it is a very full house with three parrots, a cockatiel, a cockatoo, five ponds of fish and several terrapins – plus a monitor lizard who occupies the bedroom.That leaves the former prison worker to sleep in the relative safety of the tiny converted loft – while he cannot leave the house and the animals unattended except for essentials.But Weller would not have it any other way.The ex-football manager told The Times in 2016: “It’s not everyone’s cup of tea… it takes a lot of expertise.”I’ve raised him since he was a baby… as he’s got older he’s become happier to be around me and likes nothing more than watching TV and listening to the radioChris Weller on his pet croc Caesar“Caesar is really clever. If he wants to watch TV, he lays his head on a cushion in one spot. If he wants to listen to the radio [Caesar’s favourite station is Classic FM], he lays his head on another spot.“He’s relaxed. He never gets upset about anything. He’s nice company. He responds to his name and will come up to you with his mouth open like a dog. Sometimes you get a grunt.“Sometimes we pass each other in the hallway, he’s walking in one direction, I’m walking in the other. As long as you respect him, he respects you. We’re used to each other’s ways.“Sometimes he bellows, it’s like a roar underwater. I think he’s trying to attract a lady, but I have to tell him there are no ladies around here for him. We have quite a good laugh.”The pair hang out together, Caesar letting his owner stroke his head while they watch TV or play card games. But it took some time for the trusting bond to develop. Weller worked as a prison officer for 40 yearsCredit: Times Newspapers LtdCaesar has access to various parts of the house including the pool in the conservatoryCredit: Times Newspapers LtdWeller needed a special licence to buy the 6ft spectacled caiman crocCredit: Times Newspapers LtdWeller added to the Daily Mail: “When I first got him he was very difficult to look after and care for as he would often bite me – and it’s as painful as it sounds.“But now he’s very relaxed and placid. I don’t think there’s any chance of him escaping – he’s not even allowed outside.“He’s my closest companion and most of my day revolves around feeding, cleaning and entertaining him. Most people are terrified when they find out I live with a crocodile.“But I’ve raised him since he was a baby. Now he’s completely docile. As he’s got older he’s become happier to be around me and likes nothing more than watching TV and listening to the radio.”Weller openly admitted he “never wanted a cat or a dog” but instead wanted something far more exciting.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he was confident he had what it took to look after Caesar thanks to his long career in prisons. Weller concluded: “I spent four decades keeping dangerous animals behind locks and gates so it’s no different here.”A triple-lock system means Caesar is unable to escapeCredit: BBCWeller has a monitor lizard at his bungalowCredit: Times Newspapers LtdThe former manager admitted he didn’t want a cat or a dogCredit: BBCThe dining room is Caesar’s ‘land area’Credit: BBCGravesend & Northfleet played ten matches in their 1994-95 FA Cup runCredit: PAAston Villa ran out 3-0 winners at Villa ParkCredit: PA More

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      ‘Beautiful’ moment ‘gutted’ Ashley Young consoles son Tyler after they are denied historic father vs son FA Cup clash

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      ASHLEY and Tyler Young were denied the chance to make FA Cup history on Thursday.The duo could have become the first father and son to play against each other in the competition when Everton faced Peterborough United at Goodison Park.Ashley Young was seen consoling his son, Tyler, after Everton’s match against PeterboroughCredit: PAThe father and son shared a hug at full-timeCredit: PABut while Young Sr made a substitute appearance in the 73rd minute, Tyler was confined to the bench.Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson later insisted that putting the teenager on would not have been the right decision for his side.He said: “It was very difficult to leave Tyler on the bench but I’ve got to do what I think is best for the team.”As much as I wanted Tyler to get on, if the game had been 2-0 at that point I would’ve put him on, but at 1-0, I had to get a forward on.Read More in Football”I’ve got to try and get something out of the game and do what is best for my team.”One of their players had a pop at me which was bang out of order. We are not a charity case.”After the match, Young Sr was seen consoling his son before the pair applauded the fans together.Viewers took to social media to react to the heartwarming moment, with one person writing: “Amazing.”Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother commented: “This is beautiful.”While a third said: “Absolutely embarrassing from Darren Ferguson!”Darren Ferguson says Everton star ‘had a pop at me’ for not bringing on Ashley Young’s son TylerYoung took to X on Friday morning to break his silence on the match.Despite booking a spot in the fourth round, he wrote: “GUTTED…”Everton earned a 2-0 win over the Posh thanks to goals from Beto and Iliman Ndiaye.Club captain Seamus Coleman and ex-defender Leighton Baines were put in charge following the departure of Sean Dyche, which was announced just three hours prior to kick-off.A statement from the Toffees read: “Sean Dyche has been relieved of his duties as manager with immediate effect. Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Mark Howard and Billy Mercer have also left the club.”The process to appoint a new manager is under way.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDavid Moyes this week held talks with Everton over the vacant managerial position.It would see him return to the club after 12 years. More